Deflecting criticism from two human rights commissioners, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz caustically advised them to check the law to confirm the extent of their powers.

Last week, Nazri told the Dewan Rakyat that the government had "never planned to give any teeth (enforcement powers) to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam)" and that those seeking change were "dreaming".

Two commissioners had described the statement as " shameful and presumptuous", arguing that Suhakam had been established by Parliament and not by the government of the day.

Met an the Parliament lobby today, an unfazed Nazri said: "Tell both of them...I'm sure they can read, right?...read the (enabling) Act (to find out) what their power is. They know they have no power and we have no intention of giving them power.

"I'm just telling the truth; you want me to lie in Parliament? Are the two commissioners asking me to lie or to tell the truth in Parliament?"

"I think they (the two commissioners) are shameful because they don't understand (Suhakam's powers). To me, if commissioners can't understand the rights under the Act, they are not fit to be commissioners... now we know why Suhakam is in a mess."

He stressed that his earlier remark was not a personal view as he had been replying on behalf of his ministry during the Question session and that his reply was therefore an official reply.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 empowers Suhakam to subpoena witnesses, investigate complaints and advise the government on human rights-related matters, but does not provide the body with enforcement powers.

Suhakam has previously proposed the need for amendments that would provide it with quasi-judicial powers .

Commenting on another matter, Nazri said he was uncertain as to whether the draft bill of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) would be tabled in Parliament by next month - the deadline proposed by the Royal police commission.

The current Dewan Rakyat meeting, which began on March 13, will end on May 11.

The proposed creation of the IPCMC - an independent police watchdog - has caused much contention, with a number of Barisan Nasional backbenchers expressing opposition to the idea.

The police have also rejected the need for such a body, saying that the internal disciplinary mechanism could continue to address problems.